Clinton Announces Childhood Obesity Plan:
Former President Clinton and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee have announced a 10-year plan to help defeat childhood obesity.
"The truth is that children are consuming more sugar and fatty foods than ever before. We want to reverse the growth in childhood obesity," Clinton said in a talk before students, teachers and the press in Harlem.
Clinton underwent heart bypass surgery earlier this year and concedes that his infamous eating habits contributed to his condition. Now, he is a strong supporter of using diet to live a longer, healthier life.
Governor Huckabee, who once weighed 280 pounds and lost 105 pounds in one year, says "I realized I was digging my own grave with a knife and fork'.
Fat Facts:
Some Scary Statistics
25% of the vegetables eaten in the US are French fries
A 1957 restaurant hamburger had 210 calories--today that burger is bigger--618 calories
Childhood obesity encourages diabetes, high bood pressure, heart disease and strokes
In 1969, 80% of kids played sports every day--that number is now down to 20%
By age 17, the average child has spent more time watching TV than attending school
70% of kids ages 6-8 think fast food is better for them than home cooking
5 Simple Steps :
Keep your kids happy and healthy
Let's face it: kids are cruel. And being an overweight kid is almost sure to be painful. The clothes other kids wear don't fit. Gym class is embarrassing. Friends are few and far between. The other kids are mean.
If your child is one of the 30% who are either overweight or at risk, here are some tips to take seriously:
1. Face the facts.
If your kid is gaining weight for two years, it's not baby fat. Talk to the family doctor for a weight
loss plan and healthy eating advice.
2. Get the whole family involved.
Everyone should eat healthier, so get everyone interested in healthy meals that taste good, too-like Vitamix whole fruit smoothies breakfast.
3. Eat as a family--at the dinner table.
That way you can watch what everyone eats and guide the kids into eating well-balanced meals. Even snacks should be structure "sit down" events. Food eaten on the run is fast forgotten.
4. Make it fun.
Nutrution can be fun--especially with the Vitamix machine. Kids can make their own low-fat ice cream treats and add little goodies like nuts, candy cane pieces and brownie bits--in moderation!
5. Unplug!
Turn off the TV and the computer for healthy activities like biking, walking, ping pong, bowling--vary the plan and be creative. It's a great way to get to know your kids better, too.
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